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Tuscumbia AL Area Guide

Tuscumbia is the county seat of Colbert County, Alabama. As of 2000, Tuscumbia was home to approximately 8,000 people. Walk the streets of Tuscumbia and you will see the beauty and feel the pride of the residents. Stop by the bookstore and have some coffee while you are entrenched in one of the thousands of books on display. Or stop by Tuscumbia’s own art gallery or shop in one of the many specialty stores for just the right souvenir or possibly the latest trend in fashion. Enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants; Tuscumbia has it all from fast food to fine elegant dining!

Tuscumbia History

The Tuscumbia area was first settled by the French in the 1700’s, but their town was destroyed in 1786. The Chickasaw Indians were the next to inhabit the area, and they built their town next to the spring. They were soon followed by the Michael Dickson family around 1815.

The town was incorporated in 1820 as Ococoposa. The name was soon changed to Big Spring. The name was changed again in 1822 with a vote to change it to Tuscumbia in honor of the Chickasaw Indian chief living there.

The introduction of steamboats on the Tennessee River offered a new opportunity for Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia built a landing on the river in 1824 just two miles from town. An immense trade business grew. The merchants decided to build another landing up river connected to town by rail when the first one became too small. In 1830, the Tuscumbia Railway Company was formed. This was the first railroad on the American frontier. The success of this line gave many of these same men another vision - to build another railroad from Tuscumbia to Decatur, Alabama. This was to transverse around a forty-three mile stretch of shallow rapids in the Tennessee River known as the Muscle Shoals. This line, the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad, was completed in 1834.

The combination of rail and steamboats put Tuscumbia on the main route from the East to the American Southwest. Tuscumbia doubled in size in just two years. The Tuscumbia post office grew to be one of the most important in the southwest with 41 stage arrivals and departures each week. The telegraph followed much of the same route in the 1840’s and 1850’s. Many of these building built during this town growth are still occupied with businesses today giving Tuscumbia the oldest commercial building district in Alabama. The TC&D Railroad became a major part of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad in the 1850’s. The M&C was a supply line for the Confederacy during the War for Southern Independence known to Southerners as the “WAH”. Union raids along the river and railroad made the area pay a high price. It would be over 20 years before Tuscumbia began to grow from the ashes of war.

Tuscumbia became the county seat for Colbert County in 1867. The citizens of the county built a courthouse in town in 1882. This building was gutted by fire in 1908 and was rebuilt in 1909. This structure was chosen to represent Alabama as one of the historic courthouses in America.
Helen Keller, the daughter of Captain A. H. Keller and Kate Keller, was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia. At the age of nineteen months, Helen became ill which left her deaf and blind. With the help of Miss Anne Sullivan, Helen overcame many of her handicaps to become “America’s First Lady of Courage”. Helen Keller’s home, Ivy Green, is open daily for visitors.

Tuscumbia grew as a rail center around the turn of the century. Eighteen passenger trains daily were reported to stop in town. The need for more room for rail yard expansion and the decline of passenger train service led to the demise of rail service in town.
Tuscumbia is growing today with the restoration of many of its old downtown historic buildings.

Tuscumbia Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department in Tuscumbia are dedicated to providing safe and fun environments for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Whether your game is soccer, tennis or basketball, Tuscumbia has many options ready for you to enjoy!

Tuscumbia Multi-Purpose Center
The Tuscumbia Multi-Purpose Center is a community center which contains a gymnasium with four basketball goals and a spectator area with activities are provided in the center for all age groups. Use of the center is shared with the Tuscumbia Senior Citizens.

Spring Creek Golf Course
The Spring Creek Golf Course is located at 800 Woodmont Drive and is adjacent to Spring Park. The Golf Course is a 9-hole course with a full line Pro Shop.

Spring Park
Spring Park is Tuscumbia’s most popular park. It is located in downtown Tuscumbia, just south of the central business district. Spring Park consists of a large spring forming a lake which supplies the city’s drinking water, a two story open air shelter, several single story shelters, public restrooms, large playground area, open space areas, off-street parking, barbeque grills, lights, and power outlets.

Cold Water Falls
Cold Water Falls is located inside Spring Park is the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall to be known in existence. The waterfall was in construction for 120 days and the largest stone weighs 77,000 pounds. Approximately 4,320,000 gallons of water pass over the falls each day.

Gilbert Field
Gilbert Field is an open space area with two soccer goals. This area is a public open area used for practice fields, picnic area, walking and more. Gilbert Field is located on East North Commons between the Multi-Purpose Center and the East End Tennis Courts.

East End Tennis Courts
The East End Tennis Courts are located on East North Commons at the end of Gilbert Field. There are six asphalt courts on this site. The Courts are enclosed in a chain link fence with lights for night play.

Willie Green Community Center
The Willie Green Center is located in Willie Green Park. The center contains a gymnasium with two basketball goals, a spectator stand, a social room with a stage, and kitchen. The Tuscumbia Parks and Recreation Department provides structured recreational activities in this community center.

Willie Green Park
This Park is located on South East Street. Willie Green Park is a recreational area consisting of playground equipment, four outdoor-lighted basketball courts, a larger grassy area, and baseball backstop. There is also a picnic area with grills on this site.

Helen Keller Commons
This area is a large grassy area, which is a public use area. Located directly in front of the Helen Keller Home this area includes two lighted tennis courts.

Click here for a complete list of the area’s recreational facilities

Tuscumbia Attractions

Tuscumbia is home to many great attractions that will keep you and your family busy all year long. A visit to Tuscumbia wouldn’t be complete without a stop by Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s birthplace. Tuscumbia is also home to the Tennessee Valley Art Center, Belle Mont Mansion and much more.

Ivy Green
America’s First Lady of Courage, Helen Keller, was born in Tuscumbia. Her birthplace, known as Ivy Green, is open daily for tours. William Gibson’s famous play, “The Miracle Worker” is presented each summer by talented local performers.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame showcases the musical accomplishments of Alabama natives. From opera to rhythm and blues, rock and roll to country and western, you’ll be amazed at the people you’ve heard of who are from Alabama!

Tuscumbia Depot/Museum
The Tuscumbia Depot and Museum was the site of the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains. It is being restored to its original 1888 condition.

Belle Mont Mansion
One of Alabama’s most distinguished homes, featuring neoclassical architecture of Jeffersonian-Palladian style.

Tennessee Valley Art Center
The Tennessee Valley Art Center provides rotating exhibits of the visual arts. There is a permanent exhibit of aboriginal art.

Colbert County Courthouse
The Colbert County Courthouse was built in between 1881 and 1909 and still houses county government and serves as the centerpiece for the surrounding Tuscumbia National Register Historic District. The District showcases a large collection of 19th century architecture.

Tuscumbia Events

Tuscumbia is home to many exciting events that are perfect for everyone in the family. Check out the Annual Helen Keller Festival or the American Indian Festival. Don’t forget your camera to capture the great memories you’ll be making here in Tuscumbia!

Annual Helen Keller Festival
The Annual Helen Keller Festival pays tribute to “America’s First Lady of Courage” with a full line-up of events: parade, two-day fine art and craft show, musical entertainment with head-liner concerts, art exhibits, history programs and tours. There is food available all day in the park.

“Oka Kapassa”– Return to Cold Water American Indian Festival
Native American culture is showcased in story-telling, dancing, music, art and crafts and a torch-lighting ceremony. Over a dozen American Indian tribes return to their southeastern homeland.

Plantation Christmas at Belle Mont
One of Alabama’s most distinguished mansions is decorated for Christmas when “the Old South” is recreated, with period music, dancing and refreshments.

Shoals African Heritage Festival
This all-day event provides opportunity to explore African culture of art, fashions, crafts, music and dance.

“Trees of Christmas” at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
The spacious facility is filled with the sights and scents of Christmas, displaying towering live fir trees, lavishly decorated in themes.

For information on local links and contact information, please visit my Tuscumbia Relocation Page
For information on local school information, please visit my Tuscumbia School Page